Susana Beatriz

In the city of Portoviejo, Manabí's capital, known for many years as the city of the real tamarinds, the members of the communal bank "Ave Fénix"(The Phoenix) hold a meeting every two weeks.

This is where we meet Señora Susana. She is 37 years old, married, and together with her husband has two children who are 15 and 11 years old. The children both go to school. Her husband is a comedian.

Our friend has a general store in her home. She sells all types of products in her store, such as provisions, convenience items, some medicines and Avon products (beauty supplies, cosmetics, perfumes and women's accessories). Señora Susana works every day from 6:00am until 8:00pm and sometimes even later. Her children help her with her store when they aren't busy. She has been running her store for more than ten years, and it's going very well for her. Every day she increases her stock to be able to give the best to her customers.

This loan will be used to stock up her store even more. She is going to buy rice, sugar, oils and Avon products, among other things. Señora Susana has been with her communal bank for 8 years, and she likes it because the loans have enabled her to improve her business.